Chapter 27: Last practice

When Bradley and the others come out of the tent, the sound turns out to be from the firecrackers accidentally set off by Markus.

"Markus, what are you doing!" Mr. Grunt furrowed his brow and dilated his eyes. "You know firecrackers are very dangerous, especially with so many people here."

"Yes Uncle, I just wanted to test if the firecracker works properly." Markus smiled and scratched his head. "I'm so sorry, Uncle."

Mr. Grunt sighs and he leads everyone back into the tent. After all the children try on their costumes, it is time for the rehearsal to begin. Uncle Grunt leads everyone back to the bridge in front.

Mr. George his wife appears to be at the front of the procession, and Mr. Grunt follows as the leader of the line with the marching band, and one by one the procession groups walk.

The first row features the circus performers, then in the second row are Markus and his circus animals along with some of his members next is a group of people dressed as clowns and the last is a group of children from the "Happy Life" orphanage.

"Ok, everything is ready." Mr. Grunt looked back and made sure everything was in place. "All right, let's start the rehearsal."

One of the marching band members struck his drumsticks and soon the music sounded lively. One by one, the group walks from the bridge to the front of the tent in the center. The children of the orphanages are already starting to get used to it and can keep up with the other groups without any trouble.

After practicing until late afternoon, the rehearsal is finally over and they are all invited to return to their respective places. However, on the way to the resort, a large truck suddenly passes beside them.

"Dad, what's that?" Markus pointed his finger at the white truck passing beside him for a moment.

"Oh, that's the new ride I just ordered," George whispered something in Markus' ear. "It's a mirror house ride."

"The mirror hous-"

George immediately covers Markus' mouth as soon as he speaks telling his son not to share this with others because it's still a secret.

Markus nodded slowly. "Dad, so when can we try the ride?" Markus' eyes lit up with a big smile. "I can't wait to try it."

"Hey, kiddo relax, this ride will probably be done by tonight." Mr. George stroked his chin and thought for a moment. "But we still have to check whether this ride can function properly."

"Yes, Dad." Markus nodded his head repeatedly.

After walking for a while, they finally return to the resort and all the kids run back to their rooms for some rest, but Mr. George then calls Bradley to talk to him on the lobby floor.

"Uh, Mr. George what's wrong?" Bradley wrinkled his brows.

"Hey, just come here and sit with me." Mr. George patted the chair beside him and began to speak. "Markus has told me about your injuries and I'm willing to help you."

"Really?" Bradley smiled happily as a glimmer of hope flashed back into his mind."Mr. George, I'm very glad."

"Well, then you'd better get back to your room before Madam Theresa and Nigeria come looking for you."

Bradley then returns to his room with a smile as he finally sees the light of his trouble. A few minutes later Madam Theresa and Nigera inform Bradley and the other children that Mr. Zwalinski and his family have invited them to dinner with Mayor Rosalin.

"The dinner will be held in front of the resort near the tent they usually gather in," Madam Theresa said with a smile. "I have to look good to face the mayor." Madam Theresa immediately enters her room.

Once everything is ready, they all go down to the lobby and make their way to the location of the event. Several food stands are neatly installed with various aromas starting to smell.

"Oh my, this smell is making my stomach growl." Caden stroked his stomach a few times. "I'm getting hungry already."

"Hey Caden, be patient. Now we have to follow Madam Theresa and Nigera's directions." Bradley continued to pat Caden's shoulder and tried to keep his friend calm. "I'm starving too, but at least we can't mess up for the umpteenth time."

Caden nods and tries to remain calm. A few meters ahead of them, Mr. George is talking to a man who turns out to be the mayor of Rosalin.

"Mayor Rosalin." Madam Theresa immediately greeted the mayor with enthusiasm. "We are very pleased to meet you in person."

"Oh, thank you. I'm very happy to meet you and the children of 'Happy Life Orphanage' as well." The mayor showed his white teeth, which were neatly arranged. "I also admire Madam Theresa for taking such good care of the children of Happy Life Orphanage."

"Mr. Mayor, you put me to shame." The blush on Madam Theresa's cheeks is obvious.

Bradley and Caden shake their heads at the mayor's remark that Madam Theresa isn't a person who cares about the children.

"I feel Madam Theresa has successfully won everyone's hearts, including Mr. Mayor," Caden whispered to Bradley.

Bradley rolls his eyes as if not listening to what the sneaky woman is saying. "Yeah, because they don't know her true personality."

"Okay, now let's enjoy all the food in here and have fun." Mr. George smiled and took Mayor Rosalin for a walk around the place.

All the children of the orphanage scattered and spread out into the unknown, leaving only Bradley and Caden. After a few minutes of walking, Bradley suddenly notices that some of the lights are dimming.

"Cad, don't you feel weird about the flickering lights?" Bradley tapped Caden's shoulder and pointed his index finger.

"Brad, calm down." Caden tried to convey his words. "Maybe just an electricity problem."Caden shook his head. "Just enjoy this, okay."

Both of them continue to walk and try to ignore it, but they do not know something terrifying is gonna happen to them.